Top 10 West Coast IPA Brewed in America
This Top Ten West Coast IPA list is from the U.S. Open Beer Championship, Great American Beer Festival, and World Beer Cup. The top 10 West Coast IPA’s have intense hop bitterness, flavor, and aroma with medium-high alcohol content. The style is further characterized by fruity, floral and citrus-like American-variety hop character. ABV: 5.0% – 7.50%. IBU: 60+
1. Head Hunter IPA – Fat Head’s Brewery – Ohio
2. Sculpin IPA – Ballast Point Brewing – California
3. Mystic Mama IPA – Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery – Ohio
4. Pure Hoppiness – Alpine Beer Company – California
5. Palate Wrecker – Green Flash Brewing – California
6. Lunch – Maine Beer – Maine
7. Descender IPA – Goodlife Brewing – Oregon
8. Surly Overrated West Coast Style IPA – Surly Brewing – Minnesota
9. IPA – Melvin Brewing – Wyoming
10. Union Jack IPA – Firestone Walker Brewing – California
History of West Coast IPAs
West Coast IPAs are renowned for their bold, hop-forward character, originating in the craft beer scene of California and the Pacific Northwest. These beers are characterized by a crisp, clean malt backbone that allows the hops to shine, delivering intense aromas and flavors of citrus, pine, and tropical fruit. Brewers often use American hop varieties like Cascade, Centennial, and Citra, which contribute to the style’s signature bitterness and vibrant hop profile. The finish is typically dry, with a moderate to high bitterness that lingers, making it a favorite among hop enthusiasts. Clarity is another hallmark, with many West Coast IPAs boasting a bright, golden appearance, achieved through careful brewing techniques and minimal haze compared to their East Coast counterparts.
The rise of West Coast IPAs in the late 20th and early 21st centuries marked a turning point in American craft brewing, emphasizing innovation and bold flavors. Pioneering breweries like Sierra Nevada, Stone, and Green Flash helped define the style, pushing the boundaries of hop intensity while maintaining balance. These beers often have an ABV ranging from 6% to 8%, offering a robust yet drinkable experience. While newer IPA styles, like hazy or New England IPAs, have gained popularity, West Coast IPAs remain a staple for their unapologetic bitterness and refreshing qualities, appealing to purists and newcomers alike. The style continues to evolve, with modern interpretations incorporating new hop varieties and experimental techniques while staying true to its West Coast roots.
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